travel motor

Types of travel motors

A travel motor is a type of hydraulic motor that provides a machine's linear motion by directly driving the undercarriage components. The travel motor usually consists of a planetary gearbox and a hydraulic motor.

• Travel Motor with Reducer

  The travel motor with a planetary reducer is the gear motor that directly drives the wheel or track. In some hydraulic excavators, the travel motor with a disc brake is used as the traveling mechanism. The travel motor disc brake prevents the excavator from moving when it is not in use and allows it to move forward, backward, and pivot when the hydraulic pressure is applied to the brake. This type of motor is an integral part of the undercarriage of hydraulic excavators, where it provides linear movement by driving the tracks directly. It is made to handle the tough conditions of excavating work.

• Drive Travel Motor

  The drive travel motor is the gear motor that drives the idler. Unlike the travel motor that drives the track or wheel directly, the drive travel motor drives the idler that supports the track. An idler is a wheel that does not drive, usually located at the front of the track in an excavator. A drive travel motor supports the track and ensures the complete rotation of the drive wheel. It is also responsible for supporting the entire weight of the excavator. Working conditions for a drive travel motor are a bit lighter than those of a travel motor that drives a track or wheel directly.

• Reducer Travel Motor

  The reducer travel motor comes with its own gearbox and is known as a drive motor in some excavators. The gearbox reduces the speed of the output shaft and increases the torque. It makes the weather seal and O-ring more important, as they protect the moving parts of the gearbox and motor from dust and water, which could damage the inner parts and impact performance. In muddy and rainy conditions, the seals and O-rings must function properly to prevent any leakage, ensuring the longevity and smooth operation of the reducer travel motor.

Specifications and maintenance of travel motors

Specifications of the travel motor

• Structural parameters

  Travel motors usually have an outer diameter in the range of hundreds of millimeters to over a meter. The length may be between a few dozen millimeters and several hundred millimeters. The weight is typically several tens to hundreds of kilograms.

• Working parameters

  The torque of the travel motor is an important driving force parameter. The torque of the travel motor is usually expressed in Newton meters (Nm), and its value varies according to the model and specification. The reduction ratio of a travel motor is the ratio between the input speed and the output speed. It is usually expressed as a ratio, such as 1:10 or 1:20. The travel motor works with the reducer to reduce the rotating speed and increase the torque.

• Power and voltage

  The rated power of a travel motor is measured in kilowatts (kW) or watts (W), and its value is generally between a few hundred watts and several kilowatts. Operating voltage is one of the critical parameters of travel motors. The operating voltage of travel motors varies depending on the type and application. For example, some travel motors used in construction machinery may work at 24V DC, while those used in industrial automation may be 220V AC.

Maintenance

Due to the crucial parts of the travel motor, its proper function and use are essential to look after it. The following tips can assist people in caring for their travel motors properly so that they can be used for a long time.

• Check the working condition of the travel motor

  Users should regularly check the operation of the travel motor to ensure that it is working correctly. They need to observe whether the travel motor is vibrating abnormally or making strange noises. If there is an abnormal situation, they should stop using it immediately and have the travel motor checked to rule out the possibility of a fault.

• Lubrication maintenance

  Users need to pay attention to lubrication maintenance of the travel motor. Regularly check the lubricant's quality and level to ensure it is adequately supplied and performs its lubricating action. If necessary, users should add or replace lubricants in time to keep the travel motor well-lubricated and reduce wear and tear on moving parts.

• Keep it clean

  Users should keep the travel motor clean. Regularly remove the dust and dirt on the surface of the motor and the ventilating holes to avoid dust and debris getting inside the motor and affecting its normal operation. Users can use a soft brush or compressed air to blow the dirt and dust out.

• Pay attention to the environment

  Users should pay attention to the use of the environment and keep away from high temperature and humidity. Excessive temperatures can cause the travel motor to overheat and damage its insulation, which will shorten the service life and make it more prone to failure. Therefore, users should avoid exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures when using them. At the same time, users should try to reduce the humidity of the environment. If used in a damp environment, it should take moisture-proof and anti-slip measures to avoid motor slippage and reduce electrical components' dampness and insulation failure.

Scenarios

Travel motors are used in many scenarios. Some of these are listed below:

• Earthmoving machines: Travel motors are widely used by excavator manufacturers. They can also be found in dump trucks, loaders, and graders. Such earthmoving machines usually work on sloping or uneven ground. Therefore, travel motors with a wide oscillation angle can improve their stability.
• Recuperation machines: Travel motors are used in machines that recuperate materials, such as iron, glass, and plastics. Some of these calamity motors have an integrated brake that acts on the drum. Such motors allow the machine to work independently with a battery for a longer period of time.
• Tunnel drilling rigs: Travel motors are used in tunnel drilling rigs. Travel motors with a compact structure can help drilling rigs achieve diverse functions with the travel motor integrated into them. Travel motors can also make a rig move swiftly in narrow tunnels.
• Loading and unloading machines: Travel motors are found in forklifts and stackers. Such heavy-duty motors permit heavy loads to be lifted and moved with ease. This also helps forklifts function effectively in warehouses.
• Agri machines: Travel motors are also used in agricultural machinery, such as tractors and harvesters. Jobs such as tilling, plowing, and harvesting are made easier with travel motors. This is because travel motors provide precise control and maneuverability in the field.

How to choose travel motors

These tips will help business buyers select the suitable travel motor for their customers' diverse equipment needs.

• Factor in hydraulic travel motors' compatibility with specific machinery types

  Select hydraulic travel motors with pin boss connections, bracket mounts, or other coupling methods that fit specific crane, excavator, or crawler machine models. Focus on popular construction vehicle models to ensure frequently used machine compatibility.

• Balance cost and quality to sustain a profitable inventory

  Travel motor prices vary based on brand, torque capacity, and whether they are new or used. Lower-priced used travel motors for excavators may sell quickly, but their limited operational life means most customers will only buy them once. A travel motor's reliable performance inspires repeat purchases of new, higher-priced models with longer lifespans.

• Assess suppliers' production capacity and delivery schedules

  Consider the supplier's ability to meet ongoing demand. Choosing a steady supplier helps business buyers maintain their inventory to satisfy customer demand. It's essential to consider how frequently the supplier can ship new travel motors and their ability to produce at a constant rate.

• Future-proof stock by selecting mvc travel motors with diverse machine compatibility

  Stocking mvc travel motors compatible with numerous machine models ensures a customer base equipped to serve various end-users. Catering to different motor specifications helps sustain a broad and lasting customer base.

Q&A

Q1: Which travel motors do CAT machines use?

A1: CAT usually uses the travel motor model CAT 302C. This motor is compatible with its diverse trackers and excavators.

Q2: How do users distinguish genuine travel motors from fake ones?

A2: Genuine travel motors often come with a serial number and a plate. Users can call the manufacturer to confirm the details on the plate. Also, they can access the manufacturer's website to see various travel motor pictures and models.

Q3: What are some tips for maintaining travel motors?

A3: The fundamental tip on motor maintenance is to perform regular inspections. During inspection, the users should look for common issues like seal leaks, unusual noises, and damages. They should also schedule professional servicing. Only experienced and certified technicians should handle the travel motor. Additionally, users should apply appropriate lubricants to the motor parts. This reduces the wear and tear of the components.

Q4: What Is the relationship between a travel motor and a reduction gear?

A4: A travel motor is responsible for driving a machine. Conversely, a reduction gear decreases the motor's speed while increasing its torque to facilitate movement. Typically, a motor's output may connect directly to a gearbox or a reduction gear integrated into the motor.